The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stéphane Dion, Minister of International Development and Francophonie, Marie-Claude Bibeau, and the Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, today announced that the Canadian government had deployed the Canadian team of disaster assessment (ECEC) in Haiti and had booked up to 3 million in initial humanitarian aid to help Haiti and other countries in the region affected by the 'Matthew hurricane.

The ECEC will conduct a rapid assessment of the situation, a crucial step in ensuring a coordinated Canadian response, based on facts and meet the needs on the ground. Canada also supports the UN teams to assess and coordinate disaster deployed in Jamaica and Haiti, which are yet to assess the situation in order to help the local authorities.

Canada's humanitarian aid will be used to meet immediate basic needs providing victims of water and sanitation, food, shelter and basic health services, through humanitarian partners 'experience.

Canada financially supports the United Nations system, the movement of the Red Cross and non-governmental organizations to quickly deliver humanitarian aid where it is needed.

"Canada is saddened by the loss of life caused by the Matthew hurricane in Haiti. We are determined to help the afflicted Haitians and we support them in this difficult time. "

- Stéphane Dion, Minister of Foreign Affairs

"Canada stands alongside Haiti following this devastating hurricane. We work with experienced humanitarian partners, including Canadian and international non-governmental organizations, the movement of the Red Cross and United Nations agencies on the ground, and our teams are working day and night to assess the situation. Our government is prepared to provide additional assistance to reach the most vulnerable, particularly women and children. "

- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and Francophony

"The terrible destruction and loss of life caused by the hurricane in Haiti Matthew concern us at the highest point. We quickly dispatched the Canadian team of disaster assessment, an aircraft of the Canadian Forces to assess the damage. As the situation evolves, the Canadian Armed Forces are ready to intervene to support the Government of Canada's efforts. "